Trigger warning: this episode covers topics such as sexual abuse, alcoholism, and trauma. 

Mindfulness teacher, somatic trauma therapist, and artist Nichole Proffitt melds together her unique experiences and over 20 years personal practice, research, and professional experience to support her clients on their own journeys of cultivating self-awareness, stress and pain management, and loving-kindness. Nichole’s counseling style is rooted in the belief that mindfulness helps us grow a more skillful relationship to the present moment, thereby allowing us to show up fully for the joys and sorrows of our lives, equally. As a survivor of significant intergenerational and physical traumas herself, Nichole knows first hand the debilitating effects of great grief and suffering. Her professional work is deeply influenced by her personal journey; a fluid interweaving that she speaks of with great gentleness and strength. It is that open heartedness that has enabled her to cultivate not just acceptance but also, welcome the ebbs and flows of life. From studying abroad in Asia and at various Buddhist centers around the world, to spending several months on silent meditation retreats, to pursuing research and teaching the implications of mindfulness in a medical setting at UCSF in San Francisco - Nichole’s curiosity has enabled her to pursue mindfulness in both a somatic and intellectual way. Today, she brings that knowledge and perspective to her clients; facilitating groups and working 1-1 with clients worldwide... In her own words, her ultimate mission is “To be at ease in my life. To support others in being at ease in their lives. To create and facilitate spaces and experiences in which people feel safe, seen and valued. To support and facilitate connection. To create and celebrate beauty. To be an advocate for being fully present and showing up for life.” 

Education and training:

• Somatic Experiencing and Trauma Therapy, Trauma Healing Institute
• Certified Mindfulness Teacher-Professional (CMT-P), International Mindfulness Teachers Association
• Certified Mindfulness Facilitator (CMF), Certification in Mindfulness Facilitation
  Mindful Awareness Research Center, Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Human Behavior, UCLA
• BA, Interdisciplinary Psychology, Fairhaven College, Western Washington University

💫 We cover :

• The impact of intergenerational trauma and addiction on family units 
• Integrating trauma + pain: how to honor it, but also navigate victimhood; regaining agency
• Defining & cultivating acceptance + how to lean into our life experience, even if it is challenging or difficult
• Cultivating an open heart + facing grief and pain
• The power of mindfulness; as a daily practice & as a philosophy to living with open heartedness
• The difference between acceptance and resignation.
• The power of gathering in community; how that can heal trauma

💫 Mentioned in this episode:

• Thich Nhat Hanh
• “The Healing time” by Pesha Gertler
• Ann Voskamp “Shame dies” quote
• Adrienne Rich quote

💫 To connect with Nichole :

• www.nicholeproffitt.com
• @nicholeproffitpresence (Instagram)
• https://www.facebook.com/NicholeProf